@up.edu.ph: “Naay joke sa UP nga libre daw lagi ang atong edukasyon. Pero atong kalag ang bayad sa kakapoy.” (There’s a joke in UP that our education is supposed to be free, but we pay with our souls through sheer exhaustion.) Athena Ella Antepuesto, summa cum laude graduate of BA Political Science, addressed her fellow graduates at the 87th Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines Cebu, Lahug campus, July 14. Antepuesto emphasized in her speech that budget cuts, lack of support for students and athletes, and the rising cost of living, prevent students from graduating on time. The UP Cebu Class of 2026 consisted of 563 graduates: 94 of whom earned their graduate degrees, and 469 their undergraduate degrees. Four graduated summa cum laude; 51, magna cum laude; 145, cum laude; and 20, with distinction. Produced by UP System Media and Communication Office.

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Saturday 25 July 2026 00:00:00 GMT